Leafs Team Speed Beginning To Pay Divdends
December 4th, 2009 by SteveOne of the things Ron Wilson has worked on relentlessly since he got to Toronto last season is team conditioning. His oft repeated mantra basically amounts to the reality that the hardest working, best conditioned teams will more often than not win the prize at the end of the game and/or season. His teams push the pace, and work hard to out shoot, out hit, and thus in most instances eventually outscore the competition.
His Leaf teams over the majority of the past season and a half have managed the out shoot part. They’re still working on the out hit, and out score part. Ideally with a mobile and active D, that are punishing in their own end, the transition game will push the pace even faster. Ron Wilson’s teams are excellent skating teams when they’re playing to their peak.
The Leafs are getting closer to being one of the best skating teams in the NHL. They are capable of working their asses off for 3 periods, and they are finally beginning to realize when and where to apply their energy. Rather than working from behind, they may be figuring out that taking a lead, and then running with it is the way to go.
In their last two games, they’ve jumped out to the early lead, and haven’t relinquished it, and both games have resulted in regulation time victories. Both games have witnessed the Leafs apply early pressure to the opposition D, in order to force turnovers and mistakes off the forecheck. It has worked wonderfully against the relatively softer defensive sides of Montreal and Columbus. It may not work so well against a team like Boston who are a tad more defensively sound and organized.
Either way, the Leafs are now 5-1-2 in their last 8 games, picking up 12 of a possible 16 points (0.750 hockey?), and have shown signs their game is improving. Their 5-on-5 play is much better, and after their dismal start to the season they currently sit at -4 as a team in that situation on the year. Unfortunately tonight’s game indicated some sloppiness though, and the PP and PK were both a bit soft. The PK gave up two goals, and the Power Play gave up numerous short handed chances, though none found the back of the net thanks to some solid goal keeping.
Each of the Leafs top three lines had a pair of goals, with the Grabovski, Hagman, and Blake line teaming up to get Blake going offensively with his 3rd and 4th goals of the season. That trio in particular was impressive on the rush. Phil Kessel did well also in scoring 2 goals and earning his first fight in the NHL. Most importantly though, the 3rd line chipped in some offense also with Kulemin and Stempniak adding a goal each to prove their dogged attacking style will garner them some scoring chances also.
All in all this was a very complete offensive game for the Leafs, but the defensive part of the game will need some polishing. Hopefully that can be reinforced before the Leafs take on the Bruins later this week.
Posted in Game Analysis
7 Responses to “Leafs Team Speed Beginning To Pay Divdends”
By The Meatriarchy
on Dec 4, 2009
Steve:
I don’t think their forecheck pressure over the past two games is anything new. They have been pretty good at that this year.
Just now the goals seem to finally be going in for them. Whereas before they were snakebit, ran into hot goalies or both.
By BCapp
on Dec 4, 2009
I think their 5×5 defense was solid last night, maybe trailing a bit near the end when it seemed they took their foot off the gas
By nhl scout
on Dec 5, 2009
Steve, you are right on the nail. The Leafs have discovered that team speed and hustle combined with determination and will, is usually going to come out on top most nights. And the nights that they don’t come out on top will be when they run into a team that possess just too much skill, or a very hot goaltender, and there isn’t anything you can do about that. The Leafs will win tonight in Boston, no question. They will be just too much for the Bruins to handle, especially since the Bruins do not possess alot of team speed, aside from Sturm, they rely on their size to out muscle their opponents especially in the corners. They win their games based on the powerplay, and with Savard back now, they have to stay out of the PBX. The Toronto media have been on Blake for the longest time, but this guy is very valuable to the team right now, he has a great set of wheels, and balances the lines to give them speed on each line. To be more effective, he has to cut in and to the net instead of keeping it to the outside perimeter, which teams will allow all night long. Needs to realize, its too easy skating along perimeter and needs to start earning his pay, and don’t use his size as an excuse. Speedsters like Hagman, Stepniak, Blake, Kessel, Pony ( for his size has great quickness ) Kuleman ( great hussle every shift - I like this guy even though his skating and hussle have not translated into goals, they will come, the more comfortable he becomes with the NHL, and he needs to be alittle bit more selfish sometimes. He tends to pass when he should shoot, and shoot when he should pass, but it’ll come. Stajan needs to work very very hard on his quickness, he is not quick enough to be 1st,2nd line center, but I like his playmaking ability and character, I can see him one day being captain of this team. Always seems to be chasing instead of being chased, has to get into the corners quicker, and cause turnovers, instead of getting there late and chasing opponents back up ice. What will ruin this smooth running machine right now will be the ultimate return of John Mitchell and Ughhhh Rickard Wallin. Bring up Stalberg to add more rocket fuel to this team speed, and he bangs in the corners too, a big plus is his size. Favourites are Bruins tonight but if I could bet, I would put my money on the Leafs.
By TeddyDupuis
on Dec 5, 2009
Great article and comments,
NHL scout I agree with your get rid of Wallin and Mitchell sentiment, but not your Stajan as captain comment. Stajan is a second line centre, but definately does not have the jam or the ability to win puck battles that you want out of a captain. I have a feeling that Beauchamin will eventually be named captain. He has all the qualities and has learned from two great leaders in Niedermayer and Pronger. Also, I don’t think the Leafs have earned the right to be favourites over the Bruins…or anyone, but I love the direction they are going.
By nhl scout
on Dec 5, 2009
Ted,
You have every right to feel that way about Stajan, he has not stepped up or proven that he can be a leader yet, but knowing Matt and the character guy that he is, I’m hoping that he matures and starts leading by example more, the way that I know he can. He has a big heart and always puts his team and mates first, and if you watch him, he is very unselfish with the puck. He needs more jam and needs to be more physical and win more battles in both zones, in order to earn more respect from his coaches, team mates, and fans. But I see alot of upside potential in this guy, and its just too early to give up on him just yet. He needs to work very hard on his power skating and needs to bulk up at least another 15 - 20 lbs to be effective. If he does not improve in these areas he will lose his position by the end of next year. With the more talented and quicker Kadri ready to challenge for his spot next year, he better get on his horse and start improving fast. Beauchamin was brutal at the start of the year, but lately he has settled down and has really played a solid defensive game, I’m starting to see why Wilson wanted this guy so bad. In my opinion, Beauchamin just does not fit into the role of captain, for various reasons, although I think he would make a very good assistant captain.
Regards,
HM
By glgbill
on Dec 5, 2009
@HM
Interesting takes in both posts. Thanks for sharing. In an ideal world, Stajan will add the 15 lbs and improve his skating and settle in as a solid #3 center, with Kadri moving into the line-up next season. However, it wouldn’t break my heart if Kadri spent a season with the Marlies, which could provide Stajan with a modest reprieve.
As we all realize, however, the problem is not any lack of #2, #3 or #4 centers. It’s the missing #1. Something will give, undoubtedly, and Stajan very well may be the one to find employment elsewhere. That said, I especially appreciate your confirmation of Stajan’s intangibles, which have been reported consistently during his time as a Leaf. It’s easy to root for the guys who get it.
Cheers…
By nhl scout
on Dec 19, 2009
It broke my heart to see Wallin back in the line up, he is in my opinion the most useless member of the Leafs organization, is it coincedence that the Leafs are starting to play like they did at the beginning of the season. Just one player like Wallin can really have an effect on team play. Especially when players watch everybody contribute and sacrifice and work really hard, taking the body hard and getting on the opponents really fast, battling for the puck to create turnovers in both zones like Kulemin, Stempniak, Hagman, Pony, Stajan, and Blake. These players have been really impressing me with their work ethic. This core of players have been setting the tone for everybody on this team to step up and work like them. And then you watch this Wallin guy la de dah skating around, and then nudging guys like its shinny hockey, just makes everyone think that they might be able get away with that kind of crap too. Then this kind of attitude infests and just spreads through out the dressing room, and the problem is there isn’t a captain or leader in that room that will grab Wallin by the throat and pound into his head, that kind of play is not acceptable on this team. Blake who is 5′8″ 175 lbs takes a beating most nights, but I also watch him throwing hard checks every night too. Pony has to use his size more, I remember in his last contract year, he ran through and over people, and hitting everything in his way, Exelby use to be a great open ice hitter, opposing players had to be aware when Exelby was on the ice, thats why Burke brought him over, but so far this year, he has not even attempted an open ice hit, he needs to get his game back, we need him to make the big hits, those hits can change the momentum of the game, keep the opposing players honest, and don’t let them get to comfortable going through the neutral zone. Make them pay the price if they play with their heads down. Its always easier to play when your comfortable than to play if your scared. I’m very disappointed in Exelby, I thought we were getting the as#$$$le from Atlanta that we leaf fans loved to hate for putting the big hurt on previous leaf forwards like Sundin, Tucker, etc.. Thats probably why he has trouble getting into the line up on a regular basis. Now that he’s a Leaf, i’m waiting to cheer Exelby on, but he has not given anybody anything to cheer about. We got you for your monster open ice hits.